House GOP Seeks to Block EPA Rules That Would Boost Gas Prices

House Republicans are planning to introduce a bill that would prevent the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from implementing regulations that the GOP believes would cause gasoline prices to soar even further.

“House Republicans are working on legislation to ensure Congress and the American people have a clear understanding of the impacts of EPA’s rules on gas prices before the administration can finalize certain regulations,” Charlotte Baker, a spokeswoman for House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton, R-Mich., told The Hill. “More details about the legislation will be forthcoming.”

An environmentalist told the news service that House Republicans may be targeting EPA’s planned “Tier III” vehicle emissions and fuel standards, designed to reduce ozone, particulate matter, and other types of pollution.

Baker said EPA rules will undoubtedly affect fuel prices, but it’s unclear by how much, The Hill reports. She said that given the economy’s tepid recovery and surging gas prices, “it would be imprudent for EPA to move forward with these rules without first conducting a proper assessment of the cumulative costs and benefits.”

Republicans have been upset with President Barack Obama’s lack of action to curb gas price increases. He says there’s no quick fix.